Master of Arts in Southwest Studies

Mission of the disciplines of History and Political Science
History and political science form an academic unit serving the undergraduate and graduate student body with a wide range of courses and possibilities for study. Historical and political understanding and awareness are perceived as one of the chief attributes of a functional and involved citizen of the United States. It is the mission of this program to provide services that will contribute to this goal, train graduates to work in appropriate fields utilizing historical and political skills and knowledge.

Master of Arts in Public Affairs (MA)
The master of arts in public affairs combines studies in sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, literature, and history with an interdisciplinary emphasis. The program gives a comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural environment of the public and private spheres through a core curriculum taken by all students in political theory, classical social theory and historical thought, human culture, and economic theory.

Students then select courses from one of the following concentration fields: history, political and governmental process, and historical and cross-cultural perspectives. Each student receives training in appropriate research methodologies, and completes a thesis or two professional papers.

This program prepares students for doctoral studies and may provide enrichment for professionals in public careers such as law, politics, or government service. The program also provides advanced preparation for teachers. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is well-suited to such purposes. It combines theory and practice in the following areas: historical and cross-cultural analysis, model building, and simulation as applied to the analysis of social and cultural trends; political and economic policy at local, regional, national, and international levels; and organizational and institutional processes.

The program’s geographic location in the multiethnic region of the Southwest brings unique perspectives. Field and practicum experiences are available to capitalize on the region’s rich social, cultural, and institutional resources. The program’s faculty – from sociology, anthropology, history, political science, economics, and literature – are engaged in many kinds of research, with special interests in regional and cultural dimensions.

The program is administered by and through the Department of History and Political Science. The course listings for this program may be found among the separate discipline listings for anthropology, history, political science, sociology, and Spanish.

History

Historians investigate the past so that they can understand the present – “how we came to be, where we are, and what we are.” The word “history” derives from the Greek word for “inquiry” or “to know.” Historians, broadly speaking, are interested in the social, political, economic, and religious daily affairs of all people. Their methods range from interviewing eyewitnesses of recent events, to researching old diaries and letters in public or private documents and records, to compiling computer-generated data on people and their activities. Members of the history faculty at NMHU encourage students to make connections between their own lives and times and the past.

Students of history may seek careers in teaching or other professions, continue for an advanced degree, or enter law school. Professional applications of history and social science include a variety of careers in public affairs, business, and the private sector, where research, communication, and other liberal arts skills are valued. Some history students obtain positions in museums, archives, or in historical research, and preservation for private and public institutions.

Political Science

Aristotle characterized politics as the “queen of the sciences.” Political Science is, in one sense, an ancient discipline and, in another sense, one of the most recently developed social sciences. The origins of the study of politics reach back to the beginnings of human society, for people have always made observations about the nature of their government. It is also true that political science, as it is taught today, is a very new discipline, as current scholars have attempted to move from observations about politics to scientific observations about politics. Political science, in the broadest sense, is the study of governments, governing procedures, and political processes. The political science faculty encourages students to make connections between the theoretical (or textbook) study of government/politics, and how government affects their lives in contemporary times. NMHU enables a special focus on the Southwest and minority political studies.

Students in political science can seek careers in government, teaching, or private industry. The political science major serves as excellent preparation for law school or other academic pursuits such as graduate study. It provides pre-professional training for governmental or public sector positions involving policy-making or administration. Representative employers include government agencies at the national, state or local levels, non-profit organizations, corporations and research institutions.

Master of Arts in Southwest Studies (MA)
The master of arts in southwest studies marshals interdisciplinary resources in the study of anthropology, history and political science, and Hispanic language and literature of the Southwest. Students complete a core of courses in Southwestern prehistory and history; social, political, and cultural dynamics, and contemporary writers. In addition, each student selects one of three specialized options: anthropology, with courses in fields such as human geography and Indians of the Southwest; history and political science, including courses in Chicano leadership, the American frontier, legislative process, and New Mexico since statehood; or Hispanic language and literature, including folklore studies, New Mexican and Southwestern Spanish language, and a comprehensive survey of Hispanic traditions. Instruction in appropriate research methodologies then prepares each student for the culminating experience of a thesis.

Because of its multiethnic composition, varied traditions, and rich history, the American Southwest lends itself to interesting and important studies. NMHU offers a breadth of faculty experience, well-equipped laboratories, linkages with such regional organizations as the Mexican-American Research Consortium in Higher Education (MARCHE), and opportunities for students to travel through a study-abroad program.

The program is administered by and through the Department of History and Political Science. The course listings for this program may be found among the separate discipline listings for anthropology, history, political science, sociology, and Spanish.

Resources and Facilities
The History and Political Science programs are located in Douglas Hall, a newly renovated building that houses classrooms, the Writing Center, the Language Learning Center, and offices for faculty and graduate assistants in the humanities.

Spanish

Mission of the discipline of Languages and Culture
The mission of Language and Culture Program is to provide quality education leading to intellectual growth and professional success. The program as a whole is committed to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the unique multicultural heritage of the region. Through its different concentrations, the graduate program in Language and Culture is committed to developing broadly literate students educated in analytical and critical thought, and promoting a wide understanding of the liberal arts. Because of its location and student population, NMHU recognizes the importance of Spanish language and culture in the local and global community.

Master of Arts in Southwest Studies (MA)
The master of arts in southwest studies marshals interdisciplinary resources in the fields of anthropology, history and political science, and Hispanic language and literature of the Southwest.
The Languages and Culture program offers advanced instruction in the Spanish language and in Hispanic literature and culture, including folklore studies, New Mexican and Southwestern Spanish language, and a comprehensive survey of Hispanic tradition.

While the curriculum emphasizes Hispanic civilization of the American Southwest, students may elect to develop their studies through courses in Spanish Peninsular and Latin American civilization.

Resources and Facilities
Students of language at NMHU hear Spanish spoken in the community and on campus every day. The university’s location in northern New Mexico, where 70 percent of the population is Hispanic, offers a richly varied setting for studies in local, regional, and international culture and languages. The program’s Language Learning Center is equipped with 24 student stations and an instructor station with a Smartboard; a large media collection of audiovisual programs and recordings is available to faculty and students. Thomas C. Donnelly Library has more than 5,000 titles in Spanish culture and literature, with especially rich holdings in the golden age of Spanish literature. International studies are enhanced by the university’s International Students’ Club, and language students participate in an active Spanish Club.

Research Requirement: 3 credit hours
HIST 620 Research Methods in History (3)

Thesis Option:
HIST 699 Thesis* (9)
*A minimum of nine credits is required; students must register for a least one credit hour per term until the thesis is completed, which may exceed the nine credit hour minimum.

Research Requirement: 3 credit hours Choose one of the following:
POLS 520 Research Methods in Political Science (3)

Thesis Option:
POLS 699 Thesis (6)
*A minimum of six credits is required; students must register for a least one credit hour per term until the thesis is completed, which may exceed the six credit-hour minimum.

Professional Paper Option:
One professional paper
POLS 520 Research Methods in Political Science
Three additional hours of coursework from the concentration area

Comprehensive Examination Option:
A comprehensive written and oral examination
POLS 520 Research Methods in Political Science
Three additional hours of coursework from the concentration area

Thesis Option:
HIST 699 Thesis* (6)
*A minimum of six credits is required; students must register for a least one credit hour per term until the thesis is completed, which may exceed the six credit-hour minimum.

Non-Thesis Option (approval required by adviser and department chair):
Six additional hours of coursework (6)
Two professional papers

Requirement in Research: 3 credit hours
HIST620 Research Methods in History & Political Science (3)

Thesis Option:
HIST 699 Thesis* (6)
*A minimum of six credits is required; students must register for a least one credit hour per term until the thesis is completed, which may exceed the six credit hour minimum.

Non-Thesis Option (approval required by adviser and department chair):
Six additional hours of coursework (6)
Two professional papers

Non-Thesis Option (approval required by adviser and department chair):
Two publishable papers that must be written in Spanish.
Six additional hours of coursework.

Degree Total: 36 credit hours

History (HIST), Courses in

501. The Chicano Experience (3)
This course explores the major trends in the historical experience and development of Chicanos in American society.503. Chicano Leadership (3)
This course studies the significant leaders among the Hispanic population in the Southwest during the Mexican territorial and early statehood periods.506. North American Frontiers (3)
Patterns of settlement in North America, with emphasis on frontier experience in the United States, are examined in the course.511. Women in the United States (3)
This course is a survey of the role of women in the history of the United States, including methodological and conceptual developments.512. The Civil War and Reconstruction (3)
The Old South, secession, civil conflict, Radical Reconstruction are covered in this course.513. The United States Since World War II (3)
This course covers American society and foreign policy from Pearl Harbor to the present.514. The American Presidency (3)
The history, institution, and powers of the chief executive of the United States are examined in this course.535 – 635. Selected Topic in History (1 – 4 VC)
Course in a topic or topics in history: may be repeated with change of content.550 – 650. Seminar in History (1 – 4 VC)
Seminar course in a topic or topics in history.552. Seminar: New Mexico History (3)
Seminar course in a topic or topics in New Mexico history.553. History of the Southwest (3)
This course is an analysis of historic and contemporary issues confronting peoples of the Southwest.590 – 690. Independent Study (1 – 4 VC)
Independent, directed study arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.605. Seminar: The Trans-Mississippi West (3)
This is an analysis of the development of the western regions of the United States. May be taken twice for credit.615. Seminar: Contemporary Historical Thought (3)
This course reviews the development of the concept of history in the western world, with an emphasis on recent interpretations of historical theory.618. Seminar: The Southwest (3)
This course covers analysis and writing in Chicano, Anglo, and Indian history. May be taken twice for credit.619. Seminar: New Mexico Since Statehood (3)
This course consists of research and writing on topics in New Mexico since 1912. May be taken twice for credit.620. Research Methods in History and Political Science (3)
This course covers historical methods, including sources, criticism, tools, organization, form, and problems. Cross-listed as POLS 620.640. Seminar: Mexico (3)
This course consists of research and writing on Mexican topics. May be taken twice for credit.650. Seminar: Southwest History (3)
This is a seminar course in a topic or topics in Southwest history. May be taken twice for credit.690. Independent Study (1 – 4 VC)
This course consists of research and writing on Mexican topics. May be taken twice for credit.692. Independent Research (1 – 4 VC)
Independent, directed study arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.699. Thesis (1 – 8 VC)
Individual research and writing in preparation for a graduate thesis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Political Science (POLS), Courses in

502. Interests Groups (3)
The forms, tactics, and influence of interest groups, their role in a pluralistic society, and their importance in a democracy are covered.510. The American Constitution (3)
This course covers the origin and establishment of leading constitutional doctrines.515. Government and Business (3)
This is a case study of United States government regulations of economic activity, with emphasis on the administrative process.517. The Legislative Process (3)
This course explores the process of national and state law making in the United States, legislation drafting and legislative procedure.518. Administrative Law and Procedure (3)
This course will help students become aware of administrative law and its relationship to public administrative programs. Administrative law concerns the powers and procedures of administrative agencies, particularly including the law governing judicial review of administrative action. Political science majors who endeavor to enter the public administration arena often will be involved in the administrative process, which is a complex of methods by which agencies carry out the tasks of adjudication, rule-making and related functions.519. Public Administration (3)
This course explores the organization of the administrative structure, problems of internal management, personnel, fiscal management, forms of administrative action, and procedure.520. Research Methods in Political Science (3)
This course acquaints students with a wide variety of research methods used to analyze political phenomena, emphasizing quantitative approaches through the introduction of statistical computing using statistical packages such as SPSS.533. Chinese Communist Government (3)
This course is an analysis of the Chinese government with emphasis on the role of the Communist Party; relationship of policies to tradition and world affairs.534. Practicum (1 – 4 VC)
Experiential study directed by an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.535 – 635. Selected Topic in Political Science (1 – 4 VC)
A course in a topic or topics in political science. May be repeated with change of content.546 Government and Politics of Latin America
This course is an analysis of political systems, contemporary mass movements, and inter-American relations.550 – 650. Seminar in Political Science (1 – 4 VC)
A seminar course in a topic or topics in political science.551. Seminar: New Mexico Government and Politics (3)
A seminar course in the structure, organization, function, and operation of New Mexico state and local government.553. International Relations, Human Rights and International Law (3)
A theoretical and critical analysis of the meaning and relevancy of the IR politics and its collision with international law and human rights in the age of globalization. Prerequisite: POLS 353, or permission of instructor.558. Political Theory and Philosophy (3)
This course explores leading political ideas of the western world.560. The American and Russian Systems (3)
A comparative study of the American and Russian political institutions, cultures, and structures, including their underlying belief systems.562. International Monetary Systems (3)
This course is an examination of the national and international procedural rules that channel the behavior of governments and monetary authorities.563. Political Economy (3)
This course is a comparative study and analysis of the political economies of the major countries of the world, stressing the interdependence of the study of economics and politics.611. Seminar: Southwest Politics (3)
This course is an analysis and original research on southwest politics, with emphasis on New Mexico, and ethnic politics. May be taken twice for credit.614. Seminar: Public Policies (3)
Past and present governmental attempts in the United States to deal with vital problems in such areas as education, health, poverty, and civil strife are covered in this course. May be taken twice for credit.620. Research Methods in History and Political Science (3)
This course explores research methods in political science, including sources, criticism, tools, organization, form, and problems. Cross-listed as: HIST 620.654. Seminar: The State (3)
The essence, origin, justification, and functions of the nation state. May be taken twice for credit.690. Independent Study (1 – 4 VC)
Independent study arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.692. Independent Research (1 – 4 VC)
Independent research arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.695. Comprehensive Examination (3)
This course prepares graduate students for the Comprehensive Examination in the Master of Arts Concentration in Political and Governmental Processes. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.696. Professional Paper (3)
The Professional Paper provides a unique opportunity for each student to bring together all of the course work for the MPA degree into a practical application of political phenomenon. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.699. Thesis (1 – 8 VC)
Individual research and writing in preparation for a graduate thesis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Courses in Spanish (SPAN)

501. Spanish Literature: Aspects of the Short Story (3)
This course traces the development of the short story from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Golden Age to the present.502. Spanish Literature: Aspects of the Novel (3)
This course traces the development of the novel from its origins in prose fiction of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the present.503. Latin American Literature: Aspects of the Short Story (3)
This course traces the development of the Latin American short story from the ninetieth to the twentieth century. The different literary movements will be traced via this genre: romanticism, realism, naturalism, and modernism. Particular focus will be placed on the more current twentieth century short story.504. Latin American Literature: Aspects of the Novel (3)
This course focuses on the Spanish American novel from the Colonial period to the twentieth century. It emphasizes different periods within this genre, i.e., the colonial period, the regionalist novel, and the Latin American boom.505. Film in the Hispanic World (3)
This course introduces the field of visual arts and cinematic technique. The work of major Hispanic film directors will be presented and compared.506. Hispanic Women Authors (3)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the women authors in Spanish America, covering most genres through the works of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Alfonsina Storni, Domitilia Chungara, Rosario Castellanos, Barbara Delano, and others.520. Chicano Short Story of the Southwest (3)
This course is a study of major short story writers since the Chicano movement kicked into high gear in the mid-1960s. Master short story writers ranging from Sabine Ulibarri, Tomas Rivera, Rolando Hinojosa Smith, Miguel Mendez, and Rosaura Sanchez, to more modern prose writers such as Denise Chavez and Alicia Gaspar de Alba, among others, will be included.525. Spanish for the Profession (3)
This course studies the vocabulary, expressions, and cultural background to successfully interact in business and professional situations in the Hispanic world. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or permission of instructor.526. Spanish for the Profession – Spanish for Law Enforcement (3)
This is an advanced course in Spanish for law enforcement personnel. The course focuses on situations commonly encountered by professionals in the law enforcement field.530. Introduction to Spanish Linguistics (3)
This course introduces the study of Spanish linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics; combines discussion of theoretical issues with linguistic analysis of Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 325.531. Civilization and Culture of Spain (3)
This course provides students with a synthetic and highly accessible overview of Spanish history, literature, and culture. Prerequisite: SPAN 325 or permission of instructor.532. Civilization and Culture of Latin America (3)
This course presents the Spanish American experience of yesterday and today through the social, historical, political and literary aspects that this experience encompasses. Prerequisite: SPAN 325 or permission of instructor.533. Civilization and Culture of New Mexico and the Southwest (3)
Spanish cultural developments and events that have brought about ethnic, economic, political, social, literary, linguistic and historical changes, and typical features in New Mexico and in the southwestern United States are covered in this course. Prerequisite: SPAN 325 or permission of instructor.534. Practicum in Spanish (3)
Course is an experiential study directed by an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.535–635. Selected Topics in Spanish (1–4 VC)
Course in a topic or topics in Spanish. May be repeated with a change in content.536. Studies in Hispanic Literature (3); 3,0
This course introduces the student to the literary production in Spanish. Works written in the Americas and Spain will be studied. A myriad of authors, genres, and themes will be studied. The content of the course will vary each semester. Prerequisite: SPAN 325 and SPAN 400.541. Spanish for the Bilingual Classroom (3)
This course targets students of bilingual education and presents the Spanish language as it is applied in school community settings. Use of both vernacular and formal language will be included. Spanish is the language of instruction, inclusive of student presentations/ participation. Prerequisite: SPAN 325.545. Teaching of Spanish: Theory and Methodology (3)
This course familiarizes prospective teachers with the philosophy, methodology, and practical techniques of teaching Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 325 or equivalent. May also be taken as a corequisite with SPAN 325.546. New Mexico during the 19th and 20th Centuries: An Intellectual Panorama (3); 3,0
This course endeavors to study writings created in New Mexico from different sources: personal journals, historical accounts, newspaper cultural articles, and literary renditions in all genres. Special attention will be devoted to the poetry of the Penitentes and the oral tradition of New Mexico’s religious theater during the 19th century. This course will be taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 325 and SPAN 400.550. Seminar in Spanish (3)
Topic to be selected by instructor.552. Nobel Prize Laureates in Hispanic Literature (3)
The principal purpose of the course is to study the Nobel Prize laureates from Spain and/or Spanish America to ascertain their literary greatness within the genre each one represents in Europe and the Western Hemisphere. May be repeated for credit.558. Colonial Literature of the Americas (3); 3,1
This course examines in depth literature written in Spain and in Spanish-speaking America prior to and during Latin America’s colonial period, which, by geographical extension, would include the American Southwest. Texts will include historically prior European works that influenced the conquistador’s ideology, and poetry, letters, diaries, and historical chronicles of Latin America and the Southwest from 1492 until the beginning of the 19th century. Prerequisite: Span 4/533.560. Hispanic Literature of the Southwest (3)
A study of Hispanic Southwestern literature written in English and in Spanish. The origins and evolution of this literature are discussed, from the early Spanish exploration to the most recent manifestations in every major literary genre. Prerequisite: SPAN 325 or instructor permission.562. Southwest Folklore (3)
A study of the different genres of New Mexican and southwestern folklore, along with the analysis of their popular, cultural, and literary values. Prerequisite: SPAN 201, 202, 260 and 325.564. Hispanic Women of New Mexico (3)
This course traces the role and contributions of the Hispana from colonial times to the present. The common-ordinary woman as well as the well-to-do will be studied from a social, cultural, political, and educational perspective.567. History of the Spanish Language (3); 3,0
This course traces the development of the Spanish language from Latin to the present. It analyzes the cultural, literary and historical factors that have contributed to its evolution. The transformations that the language undergoes in a different linguistic setting are studied in a section on sociolinguistics issues of United States southwestern Spanish. This course will be taught in Spanish.570. Chicano Literature of the Southwest (3)
This is a survey course that studies major literary genres in Chicano literature spurred by the Chicano movement, such as essay, poetry, short story, novel and drama, and folk literature. Prerequisite: SPAN 433 or permission of instructor.575. Latina Writers in Translation (3); 3,0
This course examines the literary production of Hispanic women in the U.S. Gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic issues are analyzed. Through their writings, these women are active in developing new categories of knowledge and creative expression, which demonstrate how Hispanic women position themselves and are positioned within the context of history, culture, and society.590–690. Independent Study (1–4 VC)
Individual directed study arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.600. Research Methods in Spanish/Modern Languages (3)
This course teaches graduate students the art of research methods and methodology for the study of Spanish/modern languages and literature. Topics that will be addressed are: the meaning of scholarship, plagiarism, parts of a research paper, and composition. There will be an oral presentation of the abstract of the final research paper. Other topics to be discussed are literary theory and archival research.650. Seminar (1–4 VC)
Seminar course in a topic or topics in the language or literature of the Spanish Southwest.652. Seminar: Contemporary Chicano Writers of the Southwest (3)
Literary achievements of Chicano writers of the Southwest, beginning with the Chicano movement of the 1960s. This course will be taught in Spanish and/or English, according to the needs of the students.692. Independent Research (1–4 VC)
Independent research arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.699. Thesis (1–6 VC)
Individual research and writing in preparation of a graduate thesis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Will be accomplished by the study of specific vocabulary and terminology pertaining to those professions.